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Phillies activate reliever Stutes from 60-day DL

Phillies activate reliever Stutes from 60-day DL

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By Todd Zolecki
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MLB.com |

PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies right-hander Michael Stutes had been quietly rehabbing from right biceps tendinitis since June. He improved enough to be activated from the 60-day disabled list before Friday's series opener against the Mets at Citizens Bank Park.

"There was a chance for him to come back and pitch late in September," interim manager Ryne Sandberg said. "That's the case, so he has been throwing in Florida and he's ready to come and join us. There was speculation of that, but no certainty. He is good to go tonight, so I wouldn't say that's a surprise."

The Phillies will exercise some caution with Stutes. Don't expect him to pitch three days in a row or anything crazy like that.

"I think it's a thing to show that he's healthy," Sandberg said. "He is healthy, and for him to end the season on that note, I think it adds some depth into the decisions to be made. I think that's what it shows, being active and pitching down the stretch this year and then going into the offseason, allowing him to go about his business knowing that he's done that. He's ready to do that. So it'll add some depth going into Spring Training once decisions are made."

Stutes had a nice rookie season in 2011, going 6-2 with a 3.63 ERA in 57 appearances, but has been unable to stay healthy in two seasons since.

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.